Gain level on a REL sub


Hi. I have purchase a REL R 218 sub to compliment my system and as far as sounding musical, I am happy. However, the gain is almost all the way up and I don feel that punch and slam I am looking for. Musically I am impressed with it but I still dont feel that level of impression overall. When I had the HSU STF-2, it was in a different league with in terms of impact and punch but for detail, the REL was better. My question now, Do you think I should try getting a another REL with the same model for a stereo pair or go with a different sub? My room is pretty small but it is treated with acoustic panels.
highend64

I have been going through the subwoofer research myself as I consider moving from a Paradigm sub that is a HT design, but not super musical.  The REL are ones I am considering. On REL’s page and elsewhere though I see cautions that when going to a more musical and precise sub than one for home theater use one may find themselves disappointed at the lack of boom.  The notes will be more accurate but the punch perhaps less. Maybe you are experiencing this. 

I have a few RELs (2 in my main hifi rig) and even using various amps and speakers there's never been a gain issue. I use the recommended "high level" (from speaker outs) system and it works great. Since I've never tried the line level inputs on the RELs I can only imagine that's the problem, or not. It could be a curse or a bad REL or something to do with the relative humidity. Note that my RELs are all from the old "Q" series and continue to work perfectly, and were purchased used el cheapo.

something not right.

I sold a REL S/510 to a guy and when he connected it to his Amp (an AYRE i think) he could barely hear the Sub. After calling REL they finally advised him to switch the connection to the Amp (he was using high level) as soon as he did that "BOOM" huge bass.

regardless, you should be able to hear Too much bass with the sub turned up.

My experience in a small professional office (11X15X8 acoustic tile drop ceiling) I have two T/Zero MkIII, and at home I have settled on a T/9. I find that the bass is subtle, just like I want it. Yes, I have adjusted up to hear booming bass. But that's not what I believe a REL sub is intended for. Their HT (home theater) series I understand does that. But I find my RELs subtly complement my setup. But that's just me.  I don't want boomy.